Isle of Wight superintendent didn't get Louisiana job

Isle of Wight School Board to hold special meeting on Thursday

ISLE OF WIGHT – Isle of Wight School Superintendent A. Katrise Perera is no longer in the running to head up Caddo Parish Public Schools, in her native Louisiana.

The Caddo School Board, during a special meeting Monday, were deadlocked on a 6-6 vote between the top two finalists to lead the 42,000-student, 66-school division. The board's split vote knocked Perera – the third finalist – out of the race for the seat.

Late Monday, the Isle of Wight School Board Chairman Robert Eley called a special meeting for 4 p.m. Aug. 1 at the Isle of Wight School Board Office, 820 W. Main St., Smithfield. The board will go into closed session to discuss three personnel issues, according to the meeting notice.

In May, Perera was one of six candidates who interviewed for superintendent of St. Lucie County School District in Florida. She was named one of three finalists but the St. Lucie School Board ultimately voted to appoint an interim superintendent and extend its search, according to that division's website.

Perera released a statement in May announcing her intentions to pursue opportunities outside of Isle of Wight. She has not publicly discussed her reasons for leaving.

Perera, in her second year of a four-year contract with Isle of Wight, earns $136,500 annually. According to her contract, Perera would receive a severance package of one year's salary if the School Board terminates her without cause before her contract expires on June 30, 2016.

Isle of Wight School Board member Kent Hildebrand said he is confident Perera is capable of running the county's school division, even as she searches for a new job.

"My personal feeling is that yes, she can still be an effective leader," said Hildebrand. "My concern is whether she will be perceived as an effective leader by our employees.

"I think she has the same ability to give us what we need to move forward … but I think everyone will be looking at her, wondering if she is still looking for a new job," Hildebrand said.